A Boy, Luca Pucella who battled an agonising and rare condition told his parents he “was ready to go to heaven” before he died this week.
Luca Pucella ‘s last heartbreaking words were read out at his funeral yesterday before he was laid to rest in a rainbow-covered coffin.
The 11-year-old’s funeral in Bridgend, Wales, was attended by hundreds of mourners who had come into contact with the youngster, whose condition only affects 75 people.
School friends, Santa and charity workers were among those who paid tribute to the brave boy.
He died last month after suffering a seizure caused by ROHHAD syndrome – an incredibly rare illness – which causes rapid-onset obesity.
His organs were donated and saved three lives, including another child.
ROHHAD – rapid-onset obesity with hypothalmic dysfunction, hypoventilation and autonomic dysregulation – led to multiple health problems including cardiac arrests.
His parents, Beth and Angelo, wrote a tribute to their son, which was read out by Reverend Mike Komor, who told the congregation Luca had said he was ready to go to heaven.
ROHHAD stands for rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation and autonomic dysregulation.
There is currently no treatment or cure for the disease.
Symptoms vary for each person but generally begin with rapid-onset obesity in the first two to four years of life, followed by impairment of the nervous system and reduced lung function.
Sufferers can experience an inability to regulate body temperature, slow heartbeat, excessive sweating and shallow breathing during sleep.
The cause of the disease is not known but scientists think it could be a genetic condition.
The Mirror reports he read: “We had so much fun and you were the best of big brothers to Sofia.
“We learned to share you with many other people – carers, nurses, doctors, teachers to name a few. They all became part of ‘Luca’s extended family’.
“Always the centre of attention, you filled every occasion and we are all left with countless happy memories.”
During the emotional service Rev Komor added the youngster had “a tremendous zest for life” and said he had a “mischievous” sense of humour.
South Wales Police and a fire engine escorted his coffin to the church and the Wales Air Ambulance staged a flypast to say farewell to Luca.
